February 26, 2007 - 4:00pm
Starting March 27, Malaspina University-College will offer an extra Level C welding program to meet industry demand for trained welders.
"There are lots of good paying jobs for welders, especially in northern BC and Alberta," said Dan Lines, Associate Dean of Trades & Applied Technology at Malaspina. "We've received special funding to run an extra program, and so we're looking for 18 individuals who are ready, willing and able to start training right awayat our Nanaimo campus."
The seven-month program leads to Industry Training Authority (ITA) qualification as a Level C welder. Classes are scheduled for four days per week, from 2:30 to 9:30 pm, in Malaspina's state-of-the-art Trades shops at the Nanaimo campus.
Chad Witczak, Fabrication Supervisor for Madill Equipment Canada, said there are plenty of jobs in mills and the oil patch for those willing to move to northern BC or Alberta. "From what I'm hearing, everything's booming out there right now," he said.
Malaspina's Level C program is an excellent stepping stone for beginning welders, said Witczak. "Stick to your training, get experience and try to land yourself an apprenticeship," Witczak added. That's what he did when he started out, and it paved the way to a rewarding and lucrative career.
Madill Equipment Canada has hired Malaspina Level C welding grads in the past on work experience placements and "they've been awesome," said Witczak. "It's a good program."
Welding student Cameron Watt agrees that Malaspina's Level C welding program is a good starting point for aspiring welders. Watt, 31, completed his Level C certification in March 2005, and landed immediate employment with a local heavy duty equipment repair shop paying $17 per hour.
"It was great," said the father of one. "I was welding properly right away, made good money and learned a lot on the job."
After five months of work experience, Watt returned to Malaspina to upgrade to Level B certification. He's learning to work on pressure vessels such as pipelines and boilers. "The better trained you are, the greater the opportunities out there," he said.
Applications are now being accepted for Malaspina's seven-month Level C welding program, which begins March 27. To apply, or for more information, call (250) 740-6400.
Tags: In the Community
